For runners visiting or relocating to a new city, finding reliable, enjoyable running routes can be a challenge. Not all parks and trails are created equal, and the success and safety of downtown runs varies with each new location.
So what’s an out-of-towner—or a new-to-towner—to do?Fear not.
Great Runs recently unveiled the Top 100 Runs in America’s Cities: a quintessential list of must-do, “iconic” runs in the 50 most populated cities or regions in the U.S. To qualify, the locations on this list are typically centrally located, notably interesting or aesthetically above average, and “in some way” epitomize the city, itself.
You can read the full report, access detailed charts and learn more information about the methodology here.Now let’s go exploring.
Atlanta, Ga.
1 of 100
Piedmont Park: The crown jewel of Atlanta's running scene with fields, woods and skyline views.
Freedom Park: A green, shaded run from the Carter Library to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Find a
race.Austin, Texas
2 of 100
Lady Bird Lake Trail: The signature trail in Austin with 10 miles of trail on the Colorado River.
Barton Creek Greenbelt: A route that features lots of variety—from parkland to rugged trails.
Find a
race.Boston, Mass.
3 of 100
The Charles River Paths: A famous river run with Boston on one side and Cambridge on the other.
The Emerald Necklace: An Olmsted-designed greenway, from State House to Franklin Park.
Find a
race.Burlington, Va.
4 of 100
Island Line Rail Trail: Features views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, with causeway and ferry.
Shelburne Farms: Stunning waterfront views of the 1,400-acre farm, with 10 miles of trails.
Find a
race.Baltimore, Md.
5 of 100
Waterfront Promenade: A wonderful promenade along Inner Harbor featuring great views.
Fort McHenry: A three-mile loop around the historic fort at the mouth of Inner Harbor.
Find a
race.Chicago, Ill.
6 of 100
Lakefront Path: The 18-mile trail is one of the most spectacular urban runs in the country.
Grant & Millennium Park: A monument to urban planning, with many loop and trail options.
Find a
race.Cleveland, Ohio
7 of 100
Lakefront Bikeway: A path spanning Cleveland's 17-mile Lake Erie shoreline.
Rockefeller Park: A seven-mile linear park that passes numerous landmarks.
Find a
race.Boulder, Colo.
8 of 100
Mesa Trail: Features dramatic flatirons, scenic forests and meadows.
Reservoir/Valley Ranch: A lovely open route with a variety of water views and ranch lands.
Find a
race.Charleston, S.C.
9 of 100
Downtown Tour: Features historic sights and architecture, including a jaunt along The Battery.
Cannon Park to Patriots Point: The highlight is the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, with a two-mile incline.
Find a
race.Cincinnati, Ohio
10 of 100
Eden Park: Cincinnati's most popular park includes important landmarks and lovely trails.
Bridge Loops: Several bridges that connect Cincinnati and Newport.
Find a
race.Columbus, Ohio
11 of 100
Olentangy Trail: A popular path that binds downtown, parks and the Scioto Mile.
Capitol and Scioto Greenway: A great downtown run on Capitol grounds, with a path along the Scioto River.
Find a
race.Denver, Colo.
12 of 100
Cherry Creek: This path through several parks and landmarks is Denver's running centerpiece.
Three Park Run: An enjoyable route that encompasses City Park, Cheesman Park and Washington Park.
Find a
race.Detroit, Mich.
13 of 100
Riverwalk: The signature running route in Detroit features five miles along the water.
Bell Isle: An Olmsted-designed park on an island in the Detroit River that features views of the Detroit skyline and the Windsor shore.
Find a
race.Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
14 of 100
Fort Lauderdale Beach: Run on the sand or a wide sidewalk on one of Florida's best beaches.
Hollywood Boardwalk: One of the most pleasant boardwalks in south Florida, with great beach and ocean views.
Find a
race.Honolulu, Hawaii
15 of 100
Waikiki Beach: A beachfront neighborhood with views of water, surf and Diamond Head.
Diamond Head: A hilly loop around the iconic landmark provides sweeping views.
Find a
race.Indianapolis, Ind.
16 of 100
White River Trail: A trail winding through Indianapolis' cultural and educational attractions.
Eagle Creek Park: One of the largest metropolitan green spaces in the nation.
Find a
race.Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
17 of 100
Katy Trail: This 3.5-mile dedicated trail is the best bet downtown.
White Rock Lake: The 9.6-mile loop around a reservoir is the "destination" run in Dallas.
Find a
race.Houston, Texas
18 of 100
Memorial Park: The hart of Houston's running community features paths and skyline views.
Buffalo Bayou Park: The centerpiece of a $30 million urban revitalization plan.
Find a
race.Jacksonville, Fla.
19 of 100
The Beaches: An 11-mile strip along some of Florida's most beautiful beaches.
Guana River State Park: Nine miles of trails that wind through undisturbed maritime forest.
Find a
race.Kansas City, Mo.
20 of 100
The Plaza: A great route that highlights an artistic and architecturally interesting area.
Riverfront Heritage Trail: A route that winds through the oldest and most historic parts of Kansas City.
Find a
race.Los Angeles, Calif.
21 of 100
The Strand Beach Path: Few cities in the world rival Los Angeles for fantastic beach running options.
Palisades Park: A palm-lined greenway, great for star-gazing and views of the Santa Monica Pier.
Find a
race.Miami, Fla.
22 of 100
Miami Beach: One of the great urban beaches offers runners the option to run on the beach or boardwalk.
Key Biscayne: Run over the spectacular Rickenbacker Causeway to this island.
Find a
race.Las Vegas, Nev.
23 of 100
The Strip: It might not be pretty, but this is one of the most unique runs anywhere.
Red Rock Canyon: Experience running in the Mojave Desert, 17 miles from The Strip.
Find a
race.Milwaukee, Wisc.
24 of 100
Olmsted Parks Tour: A tour of Olmsted-designed Lake Park and Riverside Park.
Oak Leaf Trail: A five-mile trail connecting several beautiful parks in the central area.
Find a
race.Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
25 of 100
Chain of Lakes: Three beautiful adjoining lakes featuring an almost-three-mile loop around each.
St. Paul-Lake Como: Perimeter loop is the best choice for a lake run in St. Paul.
Find a
race.Nashville, Tenn.
26 of 100
Greenways/Nashville Tour: A series of paths and greenways that pass major landmarks of downtown.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway: A beautiful, paved trail with impressive views of the Cumberland River.
Find a
race.New Orleans, La.
27 of 100
Audubon Park: Run under a leafy canopy, alongside a lagoon and/or around a famous zoo.
City Park: A large park with beautiful canopy, a botanical garden and a sculpture garden.
Find a
race.Atlanta, Ga.
28 of 100
Piedmont Park: The crown jewel of Atlanta's running scene with fields, woods and skyline views.
Freedom Park: A green, shaded run from the Carter Library to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Find a
race.Austin, Texas
29 of 100
Lady Bird Lake Trail: The signature trail in Austin with 10 miles of trail on the Colorado River.
Barton Creek Greenbelt: A route that features lots of variety—from parkland to rugged trails.
Find a
race.Baltimore, Md.
30 of 100
Waterfront Promenade: A wonderful promenade along Inner Harbor featuring great views.
Fort McHenry: A three-mile loop around the historic fort at the mouth of Inner Harbor.
Find a
race.Burlington, Va.
31 of 100
Island Line Rail Trail: Features views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, with causeway and ferry.
Shelburne Farms: Stunning waterfront views of the 1,400-acre farm, with 10 miles of trails.
Find a
race.Boulder, Colo.
32 of 100
Mesa Trail: Features dramatic flatirons, scenic forests and meadows.
Reservoir/Valley Ranch: A lovely open route with a variety of water views and ranch lands.
Find a
race.Buffalo, N.Y.
33 of 100
Delaware Park: Part of Buffalo's famous Olmsted Park System, the city's version of Central Park spans 350 acres and provides runners with seemingly rural oasis of meadow, forest and lake.
Bird Island Pier: A long, narrow run at the southern tip of Squaw Island, the Bird Island Pier is part of an extensive waterfront running scene in Buffalo.
Find a
race.Boston, Mass.
34 of 100
The Charles River Paths: A famous river run with Boston on one side and Cambridge on the other.
The Emerald Necklace: An Olmsted-designed greenway, from State House to Franklin Park.
Find a
race.Chicago, Ill.
35 of 100
Lakefront Path: The 18-mile trail is one of the most spectacular urban runs in the country.
Grant & Millennium Park: A monument to urban planning, with many loop and trail options.
Find a
race.Charlotte, N.C.
36 of 100
Uptown Park/Stadium Loop: A downtown route featuring green spaces and Charlotte landmarks.
Booty Loop: An idyllic Myers Park neighborhood with tall oaks, lovely homes and hilly roads.
Find a
race.Charleston, S.C.
37 of 100
Downtown Tour: Features historic sights and architecture, including a jaunt along The Battery.
Cannon Park to Patriots Point: The highlight is the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, with a two-mile incline.
Find a
race.Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
38 of 100
Katy Trail: This 3.5-mile dedicated trail is the best bet downtown.
White Rock Lake: The 9.6-mile loop around a reservoir is the "destination" run in Dallas.
Find a
race.Detroit, Mich.
39 of 100
Riverwalk: The signature running route in Detroit features five miles along the water.
Bell Isle: An Olmsted-designed park on an island in the Detroit River that features views of the Detroit skyline and the Windsor shore.
Find a
race.Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
40 of 100
Fort Lauderdale Beach: Run on the sand or a wide sidewalk on one of Florida's best beaches.
Hollywood Boardwalk: One of the most pleasant boardwalks in south Florida, with great beach and ocean views.
Find a
race.Kansas City, Mo.
41 of 100
The Plaza: A great route that highlights an artistic and architecturally interesting area.
Riverfront Heritage Trail: A route that winds through the oldest and most historic parts of Kansas City.
Find a
race.Columbus, Ohio
42 of 100
Olentangy Trail: A popular path that binds downtown, parks and the Scioto Mile.
Capitol and Scioto Greenway: A great downtown run on Capitol grounds, with a path along the Scioto River.
Find a
race.Denver, Colo.
43 of 100
Cherry Creek: This path through several parks and landmarks is Denver's running centerpiece.
Three Park Run: An enjoyable route that encompasses City Park, Cheesman Park and Washington Park.
Find a
race.Houston, Texas
44 of 100
Memorial Park: The hart of Houston's running community features paths and skyline views.
Buffalo Bayou Park: The centerpiece of a $30 million urban revitalization plan.
Find a
race.Indianapolis, Ind.
45 of 100
White River Trail: A trail winding through Indianapolis' cultural and educational attractions.
Eagle Creek Park: One of the largest metropolitan green spaces in the nation.
Find a
race.Las Vegas, Nev.
46 of 100
The Strip: It might not be pretty, but this is one of the most unique runs anywhere.
Red Rock Canyon: Experience running in the Mojave Desert, 17 miles from The Strip.
Find a
race.Los Angeles, Calif.
47 of 100
The Strand Beach Path: Few cities in the world rival Los Angeles for fantastic beach running options.
Palisades Park: A palm-lined greenway, great for star-gazing and views of the Santa Monica Pier.
Find a
race.Miami, Fla.
48 of 100
Miami Beach: One of the great urban beaches offers runners the option to run on the beach or boardwalk.
Key Biscayne: Run over the spectacular Rickenbacker Causeway to this island.
Find a
race.Milwaukee, Wisc.
49 of 100
Olmsted Parks Tour: A tour of Olmsted-designed Lake Park and Riverside Park.
Oak Leaf Trail: A five-mile trail connecting several beautiful parks in the central area.
Find a
race.New York City: Manhattan
50 of 100
Central Park: One of the world's most well-known parks. Run "The Res," the entire seven-mile perimeter, or choose random paths.
Westside Highway: A fantastic run along the Hudson, from tip to tip.
Find a
race.New York City: Boroughs
51 of 100
Brooklyn-Prospect Park: An Olmsted-designed park with brownstone-lined streets of Park Slope.
The Two Bridges: The iconic Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges provide great water and skyline views.
Find a
race.Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
52 of 100
Chain of Lakes: Three beautiful adjoining lakes featuring an almost-three-mile loop around each.
St. Paul-Lake Como: Perimeter loop is the best choice for a lake run in St. Paul.
Find a
race.Nashville, Tenn.
53 of 100
Greenways/Nashville Tour: A series of paths and greenways that pass major landmarks of downtown.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway: A beautiful, paved trail with impressive views of the Cumberland River.
Find a
race.New Orleans, La.
54 of 100
Audubon Park: Run under a leafy canopy, alongside a lagoon and/or around a famous zoo.
City Park: A large park with beautiful canopy, a botanical garden and a sculpture garden.
Find a
race.Philadelphia, Pa.
55 of 100
Fairmount Park: One of the largest urban green spaces in the U.S., featuring sights and water views.
Philadelphia History Tour: Featuring historic Philadelphia sites and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Find a
race.Phoenix, Ariz.
56 of 100
Papago Park: A hilly desert park that covers 1,500 acres across Phoenix and Tempe.
Indian Wash Greenbelt: An oasis of parks, lakes and paths, traversing 11 miles through Scottsdale.
Find a
race.Orlando, Fla.
57 of 100
Orlando Urban Trail: A path alongside six lakes, a science center, the Orlando Museum of Art and a botanical garden.
West Orange Trail: A world class trail that cuts through urban and suburban areas.
Find a
race.Pittsburgh, Pa.
58 of 100
Three Rivers Heritage Trail: A trail along both sides of all three rivers with fun bridge connectors.
Schenley Park: A nearly 500-acre park with gorgeous gardens in the university area.
Find a
race.Atlanta, Ga.
59 of 100
Piedmont Park: The crown jewel of Atlanta's running scene with fields, woods and skyline views.
Freedom Park: A green, shaded run from the Carter Library to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Find a
race.Austin, Texas
60 of 100
Lady Bird Lake Trail: The signature trail in Austin with 10 miles of trail on the Colorado River.
Barton Creek Greenbelt: A route that features lots of variety—from parkland to rugged trails.
Find a
race.Boston, Mass.
61 of 100
The Charles River Paths: A famous river run with Boston on one side and Cambridge on the other.
The Emerald Necklace: An Olmsted-designed greenway, from State House to Franklin Park.
Find a
race.Charlotte, N.C.
62 of 100
Uptown Park/Stadium Loop: A downtown route featuring green spaces and Charlotte landmarks.
Booty Loop: An idyllic Myers Park neighborhood with tall oaks, lovely homes and hilly roads.
Find a
race.Charleston, S.C.
63 of 100
Downtown Tour: Features historic sights and architecture, including a jaunt along The Battery.
Cannon Park to Patriots Point: The highlight is the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, with a two-mile incline.
Find a
race.Chicago, Ill.
64 of 100
Lakefront Path: The 18-mile trail is one of the most spectacular urban runs in the country.
Grant & Millennium Park: A monument to urban planning, with many loop and trail options.
Find a
race.Cincinnati, Ohio
65 of 100
Eden Park: Cincinnati's most popular park includes important landmarks and lovely trails.
Bridge Loops: Several bridges that connect Cincinnati and Newport.
Find a
race.Columbus, Ohio
66 of 100
Olentangy Trail: A popular path that binds downtown, parks and the Scioto Mile.
Capitol and Scioto Greenway: A great downtown run on Capitol grounds, with a path along the Scioto River.
Find a
race.Denver, Colo.
67 of 100
Cherry Creek: This path through several parks and landmarks is Denver's running centerpiece.
Three Park Run: An enjoyable route that encompasses City Park, Cheesman Park and Washington Park.
Find a
race.Detroit, Mich.
68 of 100
Riverwalk: The signature running route in Detroit features five miles along the water.
Bell Isle: An Olmsted-designed park on an island in the Detroit River that features views of the Detroit skyline and the Windsor shore.
Find a
race.Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
69 of 100
Fort Lauderdale Beach: Run on the sand or a wide sidewalk on one of Florida's best beaches.
Hollywood Boardwalk: One of the most pleasant boardwalks in south Florida, with great beach and ocean views.
Find a
race.Honolulu, Hawaii
70 of 100
Waikiki Beach: A beachfront neighborhood with views of water, surf and Diamond Head.
Diamond Head: A hilly loop around the iconic landmark provides sweeping views.
Find a
race.Houston, Texas
71 of 100
Memorial Park: The hart of Houston's running community features paths and skyline views.
Buffalo Bayou Park: The centerpiece of a $30 million urban revitalization plan.
Find a
race.Jacksonville, Fla.
72 of 100
The Beaches: An 11-mile strip along some of Florida's most beautiful beaches.
Guana River State Park: Nine miles of trails that wind through undisturbed maritime forest.
Find a
race.Kansas City, Mo.
73 of 100
The Plaza: A great route that highlights an artistic and architecturally interesting area.
Riverfront Heritage Trail: A route that winds through the oldest and most historic parts of Kansas City.
Find a
race.Las Vegas, Nev.
74 of 100
The Strip: It might not be pretty, but this is one of the most unique runs anywhere.
Red Rock Canyon: Experience running in the Mojave Desert, 17 miles from The Strip.
Find a
race.Los Angeles, Calif.
75 of 100
The Strand Beach Path: Few cities in the world rival Los Angeles for fantastic beach running options.
Palisades Park: A palm-lined greenway, great for star-gazing and views of the Santa Monica Pier.
Find a
race.Miami, Fla.
76 of 100
Miami Beach: One of the great urban beaches offers runners the option to run on the beach or boardwalk.
Key Biscayne: Run over the spectacular Rickenbacker Causeway to this island.
Find a
race.Milwaukee, Wisc.
77 of 100
Olmsted Parks Tour: A tour of Olmsted-designed Lake Park and Riverside Park.
Oak Leaf Trail: A five-mile trail connecting several beautiful parks in the central area.
Find a
race.Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
78 of 100
Chain of Lakes: Three beautiful adjoining lakes featuring an almost-three-mile loop around each.
St. Paul-Lake Como: Perimeter loop is the best choice for a lake run in St. Paul.
Find a
race.Nashville, Tenn.
79 of 100
Greenways/Nashville Tour: A series of paths and greenways that pass major landmarks of downtown.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway: A beautiful, paved trail with impressive views of the Cumberland River.
Find a
race.New Orleans, La.
80 of 100
Audubon Park: Run under a leafy canopy, alongside a lagoon and/or around a famous zoo.
City Park: A large park with beautiful canopy, a botanical garden and a sculpture garden.
Find a
race.New York City: Manhattan
81 of 100
Central Park: One of the world's most well-known parks. Run "The Res," the entire seven-mile perimeter, or choose random paths.
Westside Highway: A fantastic run along the Hudson, from tip to tip.
Find a
race.New York City: Boroughs
82 of 100
Brooklyn-Prospect Park: An Olmsted-designed park with brownstone-lined streets of Park Slope.
The Two Bridges: The iconic Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges provide great water and skyline views.
Find a
race.Philadelphia, Pa.
83 of 100
Fairmount Park: One of the largest urban green spaces in the U.S., featuring sights and water views.
Philadelphia History Tour: Featuring historic Philadelphia sites and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Find a
race.Phoenix, Ariz.
84 of 100
Papago Park: A hilly desert park that covers 1,500 acres across Phoenix and Tempe.
Indian Wash Greenbelt: An oasis of parks, lakes and paths, traversing 11 miles through Scottsdale.
Find a
race.Pittsburgh, Pa.
85 of 100
Three Rivers Heritage Trail: A trail along both sides of all three rivers with fun bridge connectors.
Schenley Park: A nearly 500-acre park with gorgeous gardens in the university area.
Find a
race.Portland, Ore.
86 of 100
Waterfront/Esplanade: The signature run along the Williamette River.
Forest Park: The largest urban forest in the U.S., featuring over 80 miles of trails.
Find a
race.Portland, Maine
87 of 100
Eastern Promenade: From downtown to Back Cove, this route features spectacular harbor and ocean views.
Cape Elizabeth: An affluent suburb with Oceanside road and spectacular homes.
Find a
race.Providence, R.I.
88 of 100
East Bay Bike Path: A path along the ocean that passes through several state and local parks.
Newport-Ocean Avenue: One of the most popular drives in the country also provides a great run.
Find a
race.Sacramento, Calif.
89 of 100
Jedediah Smith Trail: A trail along the American River and the lovely Sacramento State campus.
Capitol Run: A route that passes the Capitol, Fremont Park, Sutter Historic Park and the Indian museum.
Find a
race.Salt Lake City, Calif.
90 of 100
City Creek Canyon: This canyon run alongside a creek provides a quick escape to nature from downtown.
Sugar House and Liberty Park: Run either or both of the city's signature parks.
Find a
race.San Antonio, Texas
91 of 100
Riverwalk: San Antonio's signature run features 15 miles of continuous trails.
Mission Reach Trail: An extension of the Riverwalk, this trail passes the 18th century missions.
Find a
race.San Diego, Calif.
92 of 100
Mission Bay: A 12-mile loop with water views, beaches, bridges and an island.
Balboa Park: 65 miles of trails featuring gardens, groves and important San Diego sights.
Find a
race.San Francisco, Calif.
93 of 100
Criss Field to G.G. Bridge: One of the world's great urban runs.
Golden Gate Park: A left coast version of New York City's Central Park offers up its fair share of variety.
Find a
race.San Jose, Calif.
94 of 100
Baylands Trails: Remarkable trails and parks that incorporate tidal marshland.
Los Gatos Creek Trail: A 10-mile path through several parks and into the Los Gatos hills.
Find a
race.Seattle, Wash.
95 of 100
Elliott Bay Trail: This waterfront trail along Puget Sound is accessible from downtown.
Green Park: One of Seattle's most beloved parks, with special loops for runners.
Find a
race.Silicon Valley
96 of 100
The Bay Trail: A fantastic trail along the San Francisco Bay, from SFO to San Mateo.
The Stanford Dish: Open pastureland alongside a lake that features great views of the Stanford campus.
Find a
race.Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.
97 of 100
Bayshore Linear Park Trail: The world's longest continuous sidewalk provides runners with 4.5 miles of waterfront views.
St. Pete Beach: An excellent beach run with views of the Gulf of Mexico—great for sunsets.
Find a
race.Tucson, Ariz.
98 of 100
Saguaro NP East Loop: A great trail running option close to the city with beautiful views and variety.
Sabino Canyon Recreational Area: A route featuring mountains, canyons, plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.
Find a
race.Washington, D.C.
99 of 100
Saguaro NP East Loop: A great trail running option close to the city with beautiful views and variety.
Sabino Canyon Recreational Area: A route featuring mountains, canyons, plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.
Find a
race.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article